Teachers Can Deduct Classroom Expenses On Their 2024 Tax Returns

As parents, children, and teachers alike start to gear up for the new school year, teachers in particular should keep in mind that they may qualify for a classroom expense deduction. This year, the maximum deduction for such costs is $300 and is available to all educators, including counselors, principals, and aides. For help determining whether you could qualify for this, or other education-related deductions when filing this year’s tax return, please reach out to our legal team today.

What is the Educator Expense Deduction? 

Tax deductions lower the amount of an individual’s income that is subject to yearly taxes. This in turn, reduces the amount that a taxpayer will likely have to pay come tax season. There are a variety of tax deductions that taxpayers can claim for everything from charitable donations and working in a home office to student loan interest payments and commuting costs. Teachers and other educators, however, are often eligible for a special deduction known as the educator expense deduction, which allows qualifying individuals to offset the cost of classroom essentials, materials, and supplies when filing their returns. Currently, qualifying educators can deduct up to $300 when they spend their own funds on school supplies.

What School Supplies are Deductible? 

Qualifying educators can claim the educator expense deduction for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred while purchasing classroom items, such as:

• Books;
• Supplies, like paper, pencils, notebooks, rulers, scissors, and glue;
• Equipment (i.e. computers and software); and
• Health-related safety measures, like masks, disinfectants, and air purifiers.

Besides these expenses, educators can also deduct the cost of enrolling in professional development courses related to teaching. It’s important to note that costs for homeschooling or nonathletic supplies aren’t eligible for this deduction. Educators who claim this tax benefit are strongly encouraged to keep detailed records of their purchases, including receipts and canceled checks, all of which can be used to substantiate the claims if necessary.

Who Qualifies for the Educator Expense Tax Deduction? 

The educator expense deduction is available to teachers, counselors, principals, and aides, as long they:

• Work at least 900 hours per school year; and
• Are employed by a school that provides either elementary or secondary education.

Married educators who file their returns jointly can claim $600, although each spouse is still limited to $300. Both public and private school educators qualify for the deduction. For help determining whether you fall under the category of a qualifying educator, please call our legal team today.

Contact Experienced Nationwide Tax Return Preparation Lawyer Ronald Cutler, P.A. 

Skilled CPA, former FBI Special Agent, and dedicated Florida tax return preparation lawyer Ronald Cutler, P.A. has been helping taxpayers in their dealings with the IRS for more than 40 years. We are eager to put our experience and resources to work for you. Feel free to set up an initial consultation with our office by calling 386-490-9949 or by completing one of our online contact forms. Reach out to us today to get the tax-related assistance you need.

Sources: 

irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminder-for-schoolteachers-up-to-300-in-classroom-expenses-deductible-for-2024

irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-970